Reading's average ACT scores rise

READING —Wednesday the Reading Community Schools Board of Education approved the hiring of new social studies teacher Samuel Lamb and Kellie Hart as second grade teacher.

Superintendent Chellie Broesamle stated that Lamb gave a "good interview and comes with coaching experience."

Broesamle said Hart also gave a good interview.

In discussion items Broesamle reported the average ACT score for Reading has consistently risen in the last three years. The average score has risen from 18.0 three years ago to 19.7 this year.

Broesamle attributed the gains to efforts made by teachers in the classroom. Specifically, state recommendations have prompted teachers to implement "I Can" statements in the classroom. "I Can" statements are statements made at the beginning of a class explicating exactly what students should expect to learn for that period.

Further, Broesamle said the English department has made the biggest gains and achieved the highest scores.

"It’s been more of a shift from being content," said Broesamle. "We made a plan of things we thought would work and the state would make further recommendations."

Broesamle also announced administrators are being trained in Five Dimensions Plus (5D+) for teachers’ evaluations. The evaluations consist of a rubric that split into five categories — purpose, student engagement, curriculum and pedagogy, assessment for student learning, and classroom environment and culture.

Great Start Readiness slots were also announced during discussion. Twelve children have already signed up and Reading has spots available for sixteen.

Reading Community Schools’ audit has been completed and will be presented in September.